Array
(
[text] =>

---

The next morning, the sky was overcast, and the light drizzle had painted the city in shades of grey. Zayn stood by his window, sipping on a cup of coffee he barely tasted. His eyes were hollow with exhaustion, both physical and emotional. His mind was still caught in last night's memory Ari’s innocent question, the way he had looked up with hope in his big eyes, waiting for an answer that Zayn didn’t know how to give.

A sharp honk from outside broke his train of thought.

Adric’s car was waiting downstairs.

Zayn grabbed his coat and bag, took one last look at Ari still asleep on the couch wrapped in a blanket, and headed down.

As soon as he got in the passenger seat, Adric looked at him with concern. “Zayn, are you okay? You don’t look good.”

Zayn sighed and slumped against the seat. “Ari... he asked about his dad again.”

Adric’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, but his voice remained calm. “Again? What exactly did he say?”

“He asked why everyone at school has a dad and he doesn’t. He looked at me like… like I was hiding something from him. I told him his dad was in another city for work. He nodded, but I could see he wasn’t fully convinced.” Zayn looked down at his hands, rubbing his thumbs together anxiously. “I don’t know what to do, Adric. How long can I keep telling him half-truths?”

Adric turned to glance at him briefly before returning his gaze to the road. “Zayn, Ari’s still young. Kids ask questions they want to understand the world around them. It’s not your fault. You’re doing your best.”

Zayn leaned his head against the window, watching the city blur past through the drizzle. “But why does he have to suffer, Adric? What did he do wrong? He’s just a kid... and yet, he’s caught up in something he never even had a say in.”

“He’s not suffering because of you,” Adric said gently. “Don’t put that weight on yourself. You’ve given him love, care, a home… You’re both his mom and dad, Zayn. You’ve done more for him than most parents ever do.”

Zayn stayed quiet for a moment, lips slightly parted as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words. After a long silence, he muttered, “Sometimes I wonder if this is karma...”

Adric frowned. “What do you mean?”

Zayn let out a dry, bitter laugh. “What if... all of this is because of the things I did in the past? You know how I used to be, Adric. How I used people how I played with alphas’ feelings and never looked back. I never believed in commitment, never gave anyone hope… and maybe now it’s all coming back to me.”

Adric shook his head firmly. “No. Don’t even go there, Zayn. You were always honest about what you wanted. You told them upfront that you weren’t looking for anything serious. If someone still got attached or expected more, that’s not on you. That’s on them.”

“But maybe I could’ve been softer. Maybe I could’ve avoided hurting people so much.”

“Zayn, you didn’t hurt people deliberately. You were protecting your own heart. You had your reasons.” Adric glanced at him again. “And you’ve changed, haven’t you? You’ve grown, matured. You love Ari like your own flesh and blood. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

Zayn’s voice dropped to a whisper. “But Ari’s paying the price, Adric. He’s innocent, but he’s the one living without a father. How long will I keep lying to him? And when he grows up and finds out the truth... what if he hates me for it?”

Adric sighed, pulling the car into the office parking lot. The rain had stopped, but the air was still heavy, and the sky was a dull gray.

He turned off the engine and looked at Zayn seriously. “Zayn, kids don’t hate their parents for protecting them. Maybe he’ll be confused at first, maybe even hurt but he’ll understand. Because deep down, he’ll know how much you loved him, how much you fought to raise him right.”

Zayn’s eyes glistened, but he blinked the tears away. “I just want him to be happy, Adric. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“And he is happy,” Adric said, placing a firm hand on Zayn’s shoulder. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. You’re his world, Zayn. To him, you’re enough. More than enough.”

Zayn finally looked at Adric, the tension in his eyes slowly softening. “Do you really think so?”

“I know so.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They sat in the quiet car, the faint sound of rain dripping from the office building roof filling the silence.

Finally, Adric said, “Whatever happens next, Zayn, just remember this what’s coming will be better than what’s gone. You’ve done everything alone till now, and I admire you for it. But you don’t have to carry the weight of the past anymore.”

Zayn gave a small nod, his chest heavy but his heart a little lighter. “Thank you, Adric. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Adric smiled. “You’d survive. Like you always have. But I’ll still be here just in case.”

Zayn smiled faintly, then both of them stepped out of the car and walked into the office building. As they parted ways to head to their respective departments, Adric called out one last time.

“Zayn!”

Zayn turned.

“Whatever happens, just have a little faith, alright? Things will get better. Just be patient... and be strong.”

Zayn nodded again, his gaze lingering for a moment before he disappeared through the corridor, back into the noise and demands of his corporate life.

But something inside him had shifted. Maybe it was Adric’s words, or maybe it was the thought of Ari waiting for him at home with that wide innocent smile.

---

“Sir, Mr. Blackwood is here to see you,” Adric’s assistant informed politely through the intercom.

Adric leaned back in his chair and replied casually, “Send him in.”

A few seconds later, the door to his office opened, and Elior Blackwood walked in, his presence commanding as always. Dressed immaculately in a tailored black suit, his sharp eyes scanned the luxurious office before settling on Adric.

“Elior,” Adric greeted with a professional nod.

“Adric,” Elior returned, equally composed.

They both took their seats across from each other, the tension between them barely visible but simmering just beneath the surface. For a few minutes, they exchanged words strictly about business strategic partnerships, future investments, and some joint charity event that demanded mutual attention. Despite the calm exterior, both men were highly aware that their interaction wasn’t going to remain this diplomatic for long.

Suddenly, the office door burst open without a knock. Zayn stepped in hurriedly, holding a folder in one hand. His hair was slightly messy, as though he’d been rushing, and his eyes immediately searched for Adric.

“Adric,” he said, breathless, “your car I think I left my file in the backseat.”

But as soon as his eyes met Elior’s, he froze. His words died in his throat, and the room fell into silence.

Elior turned his head slowly and eyed Zayn from head to toe. “Mr. Adric, I never knew your employees were so... casual with you. They calls you by name?”

Adric chuckled, utterly unbothered. “Yes, they can call me whatever they want. I don’t believe in unnecessary formalities.”

He then picked up the car keys from his desk and extended them toward Zayn. “The keys. Go check. The file should be there.”

Zayn nodded, hesitating for a moment as if wanting to say something, but decided against it. He took the keys and walked out, the door clicking softly behind him.

The moment he left, Elior leaned forward slightly, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “You know… we’re classmates.”

Adric raised a brow. “Only classmates? That’s not what I heard.”

Elior let out a soft chuckle. “So, Zayn told you everything.”

“Of course he did,” Adric said coolly. “Why wouldn’t he?”

For a split second, a shadow passed over Elior’s eyes, and his smile faded. His voice dropped, heavy with meaning. “Then I assume he told you that Ari… is my child.”

Adric didn’t flinch. He simply offered a thin smile. “Unfortunately, yes. He did.”

Elior sat back and crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “Then why are you still with him, Adric? If you know everything if you know what happened why are you trying to come between us now?”

Adric raised his hand slightly, halting Elior’s rising temper. “Whoa, Mr. Blackwood. Let’s pause right there. First of all, I believe you and Zayn have no relationship anymore. So whatever I do or don’t do with him is none of your concern.”

Elior leaned in, his voice sharper now. “I’m not worried about you. I’m worried about Zayn. He’s vulnerable.”

“Oh?” Adric tilted his head, mockingly surprised. “Now, after all these years, you’re suddenly worried about Zayn? How convenient.”

That hit a nerve.

Elior didn’t respond. He simply stared at Adric, trying to keep his anger in check.

Adric continued, “As far as I know since Zayn was kind enough to tell me you used him for your petty revenge. You broke him, you betrayed him. And now that he’s finally healing, suddenly you care?”

“You don’t know anything about me or what happened between us,” Elior said through clenched teeth.

“No,” Adric admitted. “I don’t. But I know enough. And frankly, I don’t need to know more. Whatever existed between you two is dead.”

Elior stood up slowly, glaring down at him. “You have no right to speak about me or Zayn like this.”

Adric smiled, utterly unfazed. “Oops. Did I touch a nerve?” He stood up as well, adjusting his watch before adding calmly, “Also, Mr. Blackwood, in case you haven’t heard, Zayn’s getting married. In fifteen days, to be exact.”

Elior blinked. His heart dropped into his stomach. “…Zayn’s getting married?”

“Yes,” Adric said with a small smirk. “Any objections?”

Silence.

Elior tried to compose himself, but his fingers had curled into fists. “Who… is he marrying?”

Adric tilted his head. “Now why would that matter to you?”

“You’re marrying him, aren’t you?” Elior asked, his voice laced with fury.

Adric only smiled in response, confirming without confirming.

Adric shrugged. “And of course, you’re invited. I’ll send the invitation personally. I’d hate for you to miss it.”

Elior clenched his jaw, fists tightening again. His nails dug into his palm, trying to suppress the storm building inside him. “Does he know you’re married?”

That made Adric’s smile grow wider.

“Mr. Blackwood,” he said, walking closer to him, “before questioning my personal life, maybe you should reflect on yours. Don’t worry about whether I’m married or not. Worry about the damage you caused.”

“I’m not worried about you!” Elior snapped. “I’m worried about him ......about Zayn!”

“And I’ve already told you,” Adric replied calmly, “you lost that right. You don’t get to worry about him now.”

Elior opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His throat felt dry, heavy with everything he wanted to say but couldn’t. A thousand memories of Zayn flashed in his mind his laughter, his tears, the way he used to hold onto him at night, and the day he left without looking back.

Adric, sensing the shift, softened just a little.

“Zayn deserves happiness,” he said, voice low but firm. “He’s getting that now. So don’t come back to mess it up just because you suddenly feel regret.”

Elior’s eyes dropped to the floor.

He didn’t speak.

Adric returned to his desk, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I think we’re done here.”

Elior turned and walked toward the door without another word. But just before he could leave, Adric called out, “Oh, and don’t forget to RSVP for the wedding.”

With that final blow, Elior left, slamming the door behind him.

Once he was gone, Adric let out a loud, satisfied laugh. It echoed in the spacious office, sharp and victorious.

“God, that felt good,” he muttered under his breath.

Then he turned to the large window behind him, where the city stretched endlessly beneath a clear sky.

“Let the games begin.”

---

[text_hash] => ca44cb46
)